Maroubra to La Perouse

CLOSEDThis walk is closed at the northern end as there is no safe access to Malabar Head, updates to come in time.Following the coastline of Botany Bay’s north side, this walk traverses the cliff line with spectacular views across the South Pacific Ocean. The walk will take you through bushland, past beaches and around two golf courses. With good side trips out to Bare Island and down to Brown’s Rock, this walk explores all the environments that the north side of Botany Bay has to offer.

(0km) South Maroubra SLSC → Cromwell Park

4.3 km

1 hr 25 mins

143m

-139m

Moderate track

From South Maroubra SLSC carpark, this walk head up the footpath, away from the ocean. Soon, the path comes to some houses, and passes through the gap in the fencing to head behind the houses (keeping the houses to the right). At the last of the buildings, the walk turns left sharply, coming onto a sandy management trail through the low shrubs.
The track emerges into a large clearing, at the Anzac Rifle Range, which is shared with Sydney Model Aero Club. Here, the walk leaves the trails behind and continues onto the grassy field, staying left. At the southern end of the fields, a track breaks off to the left (east) and travels through the low scrub again, passing numerous side tracks on the right. The walk comes to a grassy clearing, with a gap in the cliffs on the left (in a small rocky bay) – crossing to the south-eastern corner of this, there is a narrow but distinct track heading up into the scrub.
This track continues around the edge of the magnificent Malabar headland. (Note: there are many side tracks exploring Malabar Headland, with numerous World War II defence structures, and more than 280 endemic plant species as well as over 200 bird species). Keeping to the tracks nearest the coast, this walk eventually comes to another grassy clearing, at the bottom of which is a car park. This walk continues along Fishermans Rd, coming to another car park, at Cromwell Park (the children’s playground and Long Bay beach are visible).

(4.27km) Cromwell Park → Coast Hospital Cemetery

4.3 km

1 hr 21 mins

119m

-105m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the car park on Fishermans Road, this walk heads into Cromwell Reserve along the footpath. The walk passes the children’s playground and continues out of the park and along Bay Pde, keeping the water to the left. This walk follows the footpath past the boat launch area and Malabar Rock Pool, coming to Randwick Golf Club. Continuing from the car park, the walk travels alongside the golf course, and without fanfare, crosses onto The Coast Golf Course. (Note: The golf clubs has given permission for non-members to be on the course, however this is on the condition that it is at one’s own risk.)
The walk then navigates along the golf course’s paths, staying near the coast as possible, and coming to a path on the left, leading to stairs that go down to Little Bay Beach. This walk crosses to the southern end of the beach, then continues back up onto the Coast Golf Course. Continuing south, this walk crosses the fairway of the 5th hole, then passes onto St Michaels Golf Course. Soon, this walk veers left onto a management trail through the low shrubs, and comes to the Coast Hospital Cemetery.

Coast Hospital Cemetery

The Coast Hospital Cemetery on the northern side of Botany Bay was first established in the early 1880’s and is now home to as many as 2000 graves. It serviced the Coast (Prince Henry) Hospital, originally a smallpox hospital. People who died of smallpox were required to be buried at the hospital grounds. The hospital was built far enough from the city to provide quarantine and for this reason, the hospital in time became an infectious diseases hospital, also treating patients with influenza, bubonic plague, typhoid fever and leprosy. Unfortunately, the cemetery has at times fallen into disrepair and some of the headstones are difficult to read. Many of the graves are unmarked.
On the eastern edge of the cemetery is an information sign[2] explaining that in the area are also buried the ancestral remains of the La Perouse Aboriginal people returned from museums.
A place steeped in history and worthy of respect.

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection at the Coastal Cemetery[3], this walk follows the level management trail (passing the cemetery information sign on the left) for about 150m, until coming to a locked gate[4] and unsealed car park[5] next to Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse.

(8.73km) Int of Pistol Club Rd AND Coastal Cemetery Management Trail → Southern End of Pistol Club Rd

320 m

5 mins

1m

-2m

Easy track

Turn left : From the intersection[6] (which is found about 1km past the ‘helicopter sign’ off Henry Head Rd), this walk follows the road[7] gently uphill for about 140m, to come to views of the coastal cemetery[8] (on the left). Then this walk continues to follow the road gently downhill for about 200m, until coming to a locked gate[9] and ‘Botany Bay National Park’ sign[10].

(9.05km) Southern End of Cape Banks Rd → Old toilet bock int.

40 m

1 mins

0m

-2m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the car park at the southern end of Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse[11], this walk follows a management trail, passing around a locked gate[12]

to then pass the ‘Botany Bay National Park’ sign[13] after about 10m. Then this walk continues to follow the asphalt trail beside the ‘Westpac Helicopter’ shed (on the right) for about 30m, to come to a 3-way intersection marked with an NPWS arrow post[14], just past a concrete building[15].

(9.15km) World War Two Bunker → Cape Banks bridge int.

500 m

10 mins

8m

-20m

Hard track

Turn right: From the World War Two Bunker[23], this walk follows a management trail away from the ‘Westpac Helicopter’ sign and shed[24], keeping the metal ring fence to the right[25]. The walk follows the trail for about 20m, then turns left at a three-way intersection to head up a gentle hill. After about 35m, the trail starts to descend steeply to a three-way intersection[26] (and views of the water).Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill along the grassy management trail keeping the ocean to the left[27]. After about 30m the trail descends steeply down a rough[28] 30m section

, then leads more gently downhill for 100m before leading down another very steep and rough section of trail[29] mostly flattening out near the apex of a large cleft in the sea cliff[30]. Here the trail continues more gently downhill for another 160m towards the golf course and ocean, passing a large rock platform[31] (on the left) coming to concrete footpath marked with two ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ signs[32] just after the ‘Cape Bank’ map signpost[33]. Be mindful of golfers and golf balls.

, for about 20m to then cross over[36] to the island on the 20m long (1.1m wide) metal foot bridge[37]. Then this walk continues over the rocky track[38] to come beside the golf tee-off green[39] (on the right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Cape Banks

Cape Banks on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay, offers possibly the best view in Botany Bay National Park. From the unfenced cliff top, you can watch the power of the ocean as waves crash into the sandstone rock face below, or watch boats of all shapes and sizes, sail peacefully across the sheltered waters of the bay[40][41][42][43][44]. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the spectacle of migrating Humpback and Southern Right whales reasonably close to shore, spouting and sometimes breaching as they make their way northward and southward in pods of three or four. The shipwreck of the SS Minmi can be seen at low tide[46], lying on rocks on the western side of Cape Banks. There are concrete foundations of buildings remaining on Cape Banks, from when World War Two servicemen were stationed there.

(9.65km) North end of Cape Banks Bridge → Cruwee Cove

470 m

10 mins

14m

-23m

Hard track

Turn right: From the Cape Banks bridge[47] and the ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ sign[48], this walk follows a level footpath[49] west, through the golf course, keeping the water on the left. After about 250m, this walk leaves the golf course on a grassy track[50] that leads down a moderately steep hill, then follows rock shelves to the west[51], with the water on the left. About 90m along the rock shelves, the walk continues along the beach for about 35m, until coming to an indistinct intersection roughly where the rock shelf comes nearest to the scrub – the track heads moderately steeply uphill[52], away from the water.

(10.11km) Cruwee Cove → Henry Head

840 m

20 mins

59m

-42m

Hard track

Turn right: From the Shelly Beach at Cruwee Cove[53], this walk follow the narrow sandy track[54] away from the beach, to the west, keeping the water on the left. Then this walk continues to follow the track, gently undulating through coastal forest[55] for about 600m to find exposed rock platforms (with a view ahead to Henry Head[56]). This walk continues up rock steps[57], and a rocky track through coastal heath for about 130m. This walk continues over rock slabs[58], with the ocean on the left for another 130m or so, until coming to a white round tower[59] and Henry Head.

Henry Head

The Henry Head Battery is located on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay at Henry Head. The battery was constructed on an unfenced headland between 1892 and 1895 and operated until 1910 when it was closed down. The battery and observation posts was re-utilised during World War Two to defend against approaches to Botany Bay. The battery consisted of two disappearing guns, ammunition storage and observation posts. The underground bunker and tunnel complex consisted of vaulted ammunition storage rooms with double walls and ceilings. The doubling-up of walls and ceilings was a preventative measure meant to stop the walls from collapsing in the event of a direct hit. The battery is currently not in use. The white tower on the battery is the Endeavour Tower, not a lighthouse as such, but a red marker light nonetheless. More info.

(10.96km) Henry Head → Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks

760 m

14 mins

33m

-7m

Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the white round tower[62], this walk follows the wide management trail (passing two timber seats[63] on the left). Then this walk continues to follow the trail gently uphill for about 220m, until coming to a three-way intersection[64], with a track and timber posts[65](on the left).Turn left: From the intersection[66], this walk follows a wide sandy track (passing between timber posts), heading up a moderately steep hill through dense forest. After about 100m, the walk comes to views of Bare Island[67] (on the left).
approximately 130m further along the track, the walk finds a World War One fort[68] (on the left). This walk continues to follow the level wide track for another 70m, until coming to a three-way intersection, with a track and bench seat[69] on the left.Turn left: From the intersection[70], this walk follows the wide track down the moderately steep hill, passing a bench seat[71] on your left. The track heads through low coastal forest, with views of Bare Island[72] on the left after about 140m. The walk continues gently downhill for another 70m, until coming to four-way intersection[73] with a ‘Browns Rock’ signed[74] track (on the left), a moderately steeply downhill track[75] ahead and a gently uphill track[76] (on the right).

(11.71km) Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks → Browns Rock

310 m

7 mins

0m

-38m

Hard track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection[77], this walk follows the track gently downhill, following the ‘Browns Rock 280m’ sign[78]. About 110m down the track, the walk continues down a moderately steep hill with timber steps[79] for a further 180m, until coming to a square concrete platform[80] on the water and Browns Rock. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp left.

Browns Rock

Browns Rock is a popular fishing spot at La Perouse, with an unfenced shelf of rock and concrete from which to cast fishing rods[81]. Unfortunately, this area suffers from littering[83] – Please help by carrying out your own rubbish and a few extra bits where safe (the rangers do a great job, but it is hard to keep up). More info.

(11.71km) Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks → Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Lane Track

630 m

12 mins

9m

-23m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[84], this walk follows the track down the moderately steep hill[85] with occasional steps, keeping the chained green bin[86] on the left. Then this walk continues to follow the track for about 260m, coming to a metal ring fence[87] (on the left). This walk then continues to follow the track gently downhill through moist forest[88] for about 120m, until coming to a three-way intersection[89], with a narrow management trail and large green shed[90] (on the right).Continue straight: From the intersection[91], this walk follows the wide track gently downhill, initially keeping the large green shed[92] on the right. Then, this walk continues to follow the forested track for about 170m, until coming to a three-way intersection[93], with a ‘Henry Head’ and ‘Congwong Beach’ sign[94] (on the left) and track[95] (on the right).

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection[96], this walk follows the track north and away from the face of the ‘Henry Head/Congwong Beach’ sign[97] for about 15m, until passing between timber poles[98] and coming to Henry Head Lane[99].

(12.37km) Int of Henry Head Lane AND Henry Head Track → Henry Head Viewpoint

260 m

5 mins

8m

-6m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[100], this walk follows the track gently uphill[101] (passing between timber posts[102]) through coastal forest. After about 180m, the walk comes to an exposed rock platform[103] and the Henry Head view point[104].

Henry Head Viewpoint

The Henry Head view point[105] is located above Henry Head Lane and offers good views on the surrounding coastline. From the unfenced sandstone platform[106], good views are available to the west, south and east, including Bare Island, the Barracks Tower[107] and Henry Head.

(12.63km) Henry Head Viewpoint → Int of Anzac Parade AND Henry Head Track

400 m

8 mins

5m

-26m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the Henry Head view point[108], this walk follows the level rocky track north[109] and directly away from the viewpoint (ignoring sidetracks). After about 15m, the track starts to head gently downhill[110], and then after about 100m, the sandy track becomes steeper with timber steps[111]. After a further 170m, the walk finds a four-way intersection[112], with timber posts and a sealed road (Henry Head Lane). This walk crosses the road and continues along the unmarked track[113] gently downhill and across a timber bridge[114] over a creek. Then the walk continues moderately steeply uphill[115], until coming to ‘The Happy Valley’ sign[116] and Anzac Parade.

(13.03km) Int of Anzac Parade AND Henry Head Track → Southern end of Cann Park

370 m

6 mins

1m

-4m

Easy track

Turn left: From the car park and grassed park[117], this walk follows the footpath south, with Anzac Parade on your right. Approximately 300m along footpath[118] (the footpath briefly separates[119] from the road and then returns), the walk finds the northern end of Cann Park[120] and ‘Cann Park’ sign[121]. This walk then follows the footpath towards the coast (and past the snake pit) for about 100m, until coming to the southern end of Cann Park and ‘Congwong Beach Walk’ sign[122] .

Maps for the Maroubra to La Perouse walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 850m is very steep and the remaining 95m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

10km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 1.3km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 260m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

6km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.3km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 5km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.3km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 12km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.3km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Maroubra to La Perouse walk.

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-botanybnp-mtlp
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-botanybnp-mtlp
Forecast snapshot